Mandalay, Bangkok flight service soon: Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 24 2022:
Chief minister N Biren said that there are plans to start Imphal - Mandalay and Imphal - Bangkok international flight services under UDAAN Scheme of the Government of India.
The CM made the announcement while speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session of a one-day International Business Summit organised under the theme 'Gateway Manipur - Connecting ASEAN Countries' at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal, North AOC, here, on Thursday.
The summit was organised by Manipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in association with Government of Manipur.
The inaugural session was followed by technical presentation, technical session and interaction.
Biren said that Imphal International Airport is the third busiest airport in North-East India and ongoing development works including a new integrated terminal and Air Cargo terminal will further consolidate the air connectivity infrastructure in the state.
Stating that the North East connects India to one of the most economically dynamic and politically significant geographies of the world, the CM stressed that as the global power axis shifts to the Indo-Pacific region, developing a secure and prosperous North Eastern Region as a convergence of India's Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First Policy will be vital pillar towards realising a common vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Air connectivity is a crucial mode of transport in a landlocked state like Manipur.
Towards realising this vision, improved connectivity will be critical to unlock the full potential and business opportunities in the region, he added.
Further highlighting that Manipur is the land gateway to ASEAN and beyond, the CM said that better connectivity would have a positive impact on sectors like tour ism, logistics, services sector, healthcare, education, IT and IT enabled services towards ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.
Biren also informed that improvement of National Highways to Moreh is nearing completion and completion of regional projects such as Trilateral Highway Project, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and SASEC Road Connectivity Projects would be transformative for Manipur and the North - East of India.
Rail network has reached the state and there are plans for Asian Railways passing through Moreh-Ta-mu by extending the rail line beyond Imphal.
The Integrated Check Post in Moreh has started functioning and security infrastructure along the border line has also been improved, elaborated the chief minister.
Biren also underscored the huge tourism potential of the state and highlighted the endangered Sangai Deer, its home Keibul Lamjao, the only floating National Park in the world and Shirui Lily found only in the Shirui Hills in Ukhrul district.
Manipuri Dance is one of the classical dances of India, Sankirtana, drumming and dancing of Manipur are inscribed on the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, he pointed out Further stating that Manipuri cinema.and theatre have also brought laurels for the country, the CM expressed elation over the sporting culture of the state and said the small state has already produced numerous sportspersons including 19 Olympians while adding that an Olympian Park is being constructed in honour of the Olympians.
Manipur is also the birthplace of modern Polo.
We have inaugurated the 'Annual Sagol Kangjei Tournament', the traditional version of polo, from this year to preserve the link between modern and traditional polo," he added.
While highlighting about the state's close historical associations with World War-2 and stating that Battle of Imphal was the turning point of one of the most grueling campaigns of the war, Biren said: "We have preserved and developed the INA Headquarters".
He also highlighted the Imphal War Cemetery, which contains 1600 Commonwealth burials of WW-II, and India Peace Memorial constructed by Japan.
Biren also spoke about the Manipur Start-Up, Venture Fund and Credit Guarantee Scheme set up for MSMEs and Startups in the state.
The government is also planning to commission the new building of IT SEZ, which will have the potential to create nearly 2000 jobs, he said and informed that the state government continues to give priority to develop and promote local food products, handlooms and handicrafts.
Organic farming is catching up in the state, and Aromatic Black Rice and pineapples are some of the produces exported recently to Europe and Middle East, he said.
Biren also highlighted the implementation of the 'One district, one product' and said that the state is in the process of identifying one product for each sub-division for promotion.
"I believe the deliberations and discussion in today's business summit would provide new insights and fresh perspectives to pave the way for Manipur", the CM said.
He also welcomed the participants to Manipur Sangai Festival and said, "I hope you all will get to experience the rich cultural heritage of Manipur during the festival and take back lasting memories" .
The inaugural session was also attended by Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of Royal Thai Embassy, Thailand Saithong Soiphet, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) of Royal Thai Embassy to India Surapat Phosaen, India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industries general secretary SM Abdul Kalam Azad and Textiles Sector Skill Council New Delhi CEO Swapna Mishra.
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